Pilot licensing in Australia

In order to gain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Australia, the minimum requirements are:

• Obtain a mark of 70% or more in the CASA aeroplane or helicopter exam, which tests all seven subjects listed in the Day VFR Syllabus.[2][3]
• Hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate
• Have a minimum of 40 hours total flight time, of which 10 must be pilot in command, of which 5 must be solo cross country. 2 hours instrument flying is also required.

For an integrated course, only 35 hours flight experience is required.

The PPL allows private pilots to operate single engine aircraft in VFR conditions throughout all Australian airspace classes in daylight. For students upgrading from a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), it removes the 1500kg Maximum Takeoff Weight limitation, allowing pilots to fly any Australian registered aircraft as pilot in command, providing they hold appropriate endorsements for that specific type.

PPL holders may go on to gain a night VFR rating, Private Instrument Rating (PIFR) to fly under the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), including at night and in adverse weather, Multi Engine Aeroplane (MEA) Class Ratings, and other operational privileges and endorsements such as aerobatics and aircraft design features.[2]

PPL holders may operate Australian registered aircraft in foreign airspace, subject to the regulations of the relevant government aviation authorities.

Under a PPL, Australian pilots are limited to 5 passengers onboard their aircraft, regardless of aircraft seating capacity.